Santorini Sightseeing: Ancient Sites & Monuments

The famous volcano of Santorini is the most famous sightseeing on the island. It stands in the middle of the sunken caldera, right opposite the coastline of Santorini. It is located on the island of Nea Kameni and many tour boats go there from Fira. On the neighboring island of Palea Kameni, there are the hot springs, which are said to have curative properties.
Not to miss: Boat Tour to Volcano & Hot springs

The sunset of Santorini is probably the most famous in the world and cannot be missed. It is gorgeous from every part of the island, but the sunset in Oia is one of the best things to see during your holiday. Thousands of couples in love come to Santorini every year to see the sunset or get married with this lovely background.

The Minoan Town of Akrotiri is one of the most important ancient sites on Santorini and one of the famous things to see. It is located on the southern side of the island and the town was found almost intact, covered with layers of ashes. Scientists believe that this town was destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Santorini in about 1,650 BC. After many years of being closed down, the site reopened to visitors in April 2012.

Ancient Thera is located on top of a cliff, near Kamari. The road there is a bit difficult and windy, but this is one of the must-see sights in Santorini. It is situated between two beautiful beaches, Kamari and Perissa and also offers amazing views over the Aegean sea.

The Castle of Oia, also known as Castle of Saint Nikolas, dates back to the 15th century & was built during the Venetian occupation period of the island as a defensive fortress.

The small chapel of Theoskepasti is one of the lesser known churches in Santorini, but it is as charming as the more popular ones. Its amazing location ensures panoramic views of the sea.

The famous windmill of Oia is one of the top signature landmarks in Santorini, adding an extra charm to the picturesque landscape & appearing in thousands of pictures, taken by visitors from all around the world.

Tomato-based products are the second most famous thing produced in Santorini after wine and many varieties of tomato plants are known to flourish on the island's volcanic soil! The Tomato Industrial Museum "D. Nomikos" is located in Vlychada, allowing you to find out more about the fascinating history of tomato production in Santorini.

At this hidden spot, you will discover one of the most photographed churches in Oia, which can easily be spotted thanks to its twin bell towers & 3 white domes.

Named after its distinctive bell tower, the church Three Bells of Fira is a Catholic church dedicated to the Dormition. It dates back to the 18th century, although various modifications have occurred throughout the years and the church had to be restored after the earthquake of 1956.

Located on the hiking path to Skaros Rock in Imerovigli, a few meters below Grace Hotel, Agios Ioannis Chapel is also known as Agios Ioannis o Katiforis (= going downhill), because of the small church's location.

Agios Stylianos is a Catholic Church in Fira, built on the edge of the cliff & overlooking the caldera, the whitewashed town & the volcano. It is dedicated to Saint Stylianos of Paphlagonia & the celebrations for the saint take place on November 26th.

On your way to Oia’s castle, you will certainly notice the small church of Agios Nikolaos as it has a blue dome & a stone-built facade which make it stand out. Overlooking the sea, the church offers excellent views of the Agean, combined with the castle ruins.

Standing on the edge of the caldera in Fira, the whitewashed Church of Agios Minas (also known as Katofirianos) can be found at the southern part of the old town, overlooking the volcanic landscape & the sea.

Situated in the south part of Santorini, the Castle of Emporio and Goulas Tower are two worth-seeing attractions because of their great architecture. They were built in order to protect the locals from the pirates’ attacks, while the Tower used to serve as a storehouse for the cultivators’ crops in the past too.

Anastaseos church (or Church of the Resurrection of the Lord) is one of the famous blue dome churches on the island. You have probably seen hundreds of pictures with it before even visiting the island.

The actual Heart of Santorini is a recently discovered attraction and this hidden spot has been attracting increasing amounts of attention! It is a heart-shaped hole in a rock, through which you can see the Aegean Sea, the sky and the volcano.